Police mum on report of break-in, fatal assault of dog

SoVaNow.com / October 28, 2013

South Boston Police are declining comment on a reported Fenton Street break-in that resulted in the death of a family’s dog this weekend. After entering the residence, the intruder attacked the animal and inflicted wounds that proved fatal the next day.

The occupant of the home, who asked not to be identified pending a police investigation, confirmed the incident to the News&Record after first posting about it on Facebook. The exchange drew the notice of the Halifax County Humane Society, which said it was “shocked and saddened by the behavior of some individuals in this world.

“Last night, a home in the town of South Boston was broken into and these horrible humane beings beat the dog that lived there to near death. Despite all efforts to save the dog, too much damage was done. Please if you know anything that will lead to an arrest of these awful people, contact the South Boston Police Department.”

A spokesperson for the South Boston Police said more information would be forthcoming today about the incident.

However, the Facebook exchange on the incident included a message from SBPD Officer Matt Gilliam confirming it happened and asking that anyone with information contact the South Boston Police Department.

“We find the person responsible for doing this, it will be a top of the list for me. I know what my dogs mean to me and no dog should have to go through what this sweet dog went through,” wrote Gilliam. He also wrote, “it broke my heart having to see the like that and when I carried the dog to its owners car all I wanted to do is find the person that did this ….”

The owner described the dog as a black tan hound that was “sweet and a little fat but she was spoiled.”